How far is Columbia Falls, MT from Butte, MT?
The driving distance from Columbia Falls, MT to Butte, MT is about 231.7 miles (372.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 16m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 181 miles (291.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 32m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 04h 16m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census designated place in Montana, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Columbia Falls and Butte.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Columbia Falls and Butte.
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1
Start on 7th Street West
31 m · 7 sec · 7th Street West
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2
Turn right onto Nucleus Avenue
784 ft · 34 sec · Nucleus Avenue
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3
At the end of the road, turn left onto 9th Street
1603 ft · 49 sec · 9th Street
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4
Continue on US 2
1.3 mi · 2 min · US 2
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5
Turn right
9.7 mi · 12 min
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6
At the end of the road, turn left
11.4 mi · 13 min
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7
Turn left
91.1 mi · 1 hr 44 min
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8
Turn left
23.8 mi · 26 min
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9
Turn right onto State Highway 141
32.5 mi · 35 min · State Highway 141
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10
Turn sharp right
12.9 mi · 14 min
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11
Turn left
2539 ft · 43 sec
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12
Continue straight
802 ft · 14 sec
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13
Take the ramp straight
1.4 km · 2 min
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14
Merge slight left
45 mi · 42 min
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15
Keep slight left to continue on City Center
2 mi · 3 min
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Iron Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Columbia Falls and Butte.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Longest stretch
Turn left
91.1 mi · 01h 44m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving Columbia Falls and Sunny near Butte.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Columbia Falls to Butte?
The road trip is about 231.7 miles (372.9 km) and usually takes 04h 16m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Seeley Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 115.8 miles from Columbia Falls and 115.9 miles from Butte.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 181 miles (291.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 50.7 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM MDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:28 AM MDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.84 one way or $63.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 72.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Columbia Falls and Sunny near Butte.
Stop Ideas Near Seeley Lake
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Seeley Lake.
Missoula, MT
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Columbia Falls and Butte. Straight-line distance: 180.99 mi (291.28 km).
#1 Columbia Falls
Town in Montana, United States
| Population | 6,209 |
| Coordinates | 48.3724600, -114.1815200 |
| Altitude | 941 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Butte
Consolidated city-county in Montana, United States
| Population | 34,190 |
| Coordinates | 46.0038200, -112.5347400 |
| Altitude | 1688 |
| Country | United States |
End: Butte (-112.53474, 46.00382)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 373 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 43m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 38m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 53m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.89 | $31.84 | $63.69 |
| Mid-grade | $4.23 | $34.61 | $69.22 |
| Premium | $4.55 | $37.21 | $74.42 |
| Diesel | $5.41 | $44.27 | $88.54 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Montana · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.